Renthia Kaimbi
Omaruru mayor, Eberth Gariseb, has issued a warning that excessive bureaucracy and political interference are crippling Namibia’s development pipeline, leaving communities waiting years for projects that could transform local economies.
In a media statement released this week, Gariseb delivered ta wcriticism of the administrative paralysis that continues to stall key initiatives, pointing specifically to the proposed Omaruru Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre as a prime example of good intentions lost in red tape.
Gariseb argued that while Namibia boasts enormous potential for growth, the reality on the ground is one of frustration and lost opportunities.
The TVET centre, which holds the promise of equipping young people with practical skills, creating sustainable employment, and stimulating local economic activity, has been met with broad support but has failed to materialize due to prolonged administrative processes.
“Such initiatives have the potential to equip young people with practical skills,” Gariseb stated, emphasizing the urgency of moving from planning to execution in a nation grappling with high youth unemployment.
The yayor’s statement delved deeper into the systemic rot, expressing growing concern that development has become dangerously politicized.
He drew a clear line between the roles of elected leaders and technocrats, asserting that while politicians are responsible for policy and strategic direction, civil servants are duty-bound to implement those policies professionally and impartially.
“When technocrats become involved in political interests or create unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles, service delivery suffers and communities are deprived of opportunities for growth,” the statement read, highlighting a breakdown in the governance chain that is actively undermining public trust.
As a primary solution to this inertia, Gariseb called for a robust and effective decentralization of government functions.
He pointed to the current centralized model as a fundamental bottleneck, where regional offices are forced to wait endlessly for approvals from head offices in Windhoek, often resulting in delays that render projects obsolete or more expensive.
Gariseb advocated for the establishment of more government ministries, agencies, and parastatal offices in the regions, arguing that this physical and administrative relocation is crucial for accelerating development.
Decentralization, according to Gariseb, goes beyond merely moving offices. It is about empowering regions to drive their own development by granting them the necessary authority, funding, and skilled personnel to address local challenges efficiently.
He argued that the presence of government institutions on the ground would not only improve service delivery but also stimulate local economies by creating employment, attracting investment, and significantly reducing the travel costs and burdens on residents who currently have to travel to the capital for essential services.
This redistribution of power, he insisted, must occur while maintaining strict national standards and accountability.
“Our people deserve a government that is responsive, accountable, and committed to delivering results,” Gariseb declared.
He is calling for a reduction in bureaucratic bottlenecks, effective decentralization, the strengthening of regional institutions, and greater accountability across all levels of government.
Development, Gariseb concluded, must be driven by action, efficiency, and collaboration, not by endless bureaucracy or partisan interests.
